Jurgen Klopp asks Liverpool fans to end new Anfield tradition
Jurgen Klopp has begged Liverpool fans to stop encouraging Joe Gomez to shoot as his wait for his first goal goes on.
The defender has yet to find the net in 233 senior appearances for both the Reds and former club Charlton Athletic. Supporters have attempted to intervene with regular appeals from the stands for Gomez to take aim from distance.
That was no different during Wednesday’s FA Cup victory against Southampton. Klopp was left slightly irritated by the constant requests coming from the stands.
Speaking after the win over the Saints, the German said: “Can I ask the people. As funny as it is... shoot. Leave the boy alone, one day he will shoot, he will find the moment himself.
“If he shoots from 40 yards just because the people are calling then I will really get a bit angry but what a boy, what a game. Absolutely exceptional.”
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejectedAway from Klopp’s complaints, Gomez has previously spoken out on his wait for a senior goal. "I've gone eight years and now everyone is talking about it, I don't know what sparked it!" he said last month.
"I want to affect the game when I'm forward as well and be positive. Hopefully it comes, we'll see how I celebrate. I'll leave taking my shirt off to Mo [Salah]!"
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Gomez, now 26, is currently in the most productive season of his Liverpool career. The 11-time England international has already made 36 appearances in all competitions this term - more than any other campaign during his time at Anfield.
He has been afforded those opportunities due to a series of injuries. Klopp remains a big fan of Gomez’s versatility. He said: “Right-back exactly the same.
“Conor (Bradley) is not there, Trent (Alexander-Arnold) is obviously not there, so Joey, come on. Now he plays the six, aye aye aye. The way he played is absolutely crazy.”
Gomez will hope to play a role this weekend - and keep up his search for a debut strike - as Liverpool turn their attention back to the Premier League. The Reds travel to the City Ground to take on relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
Ahead of that game, Liverpool hold a one-point advantage over title rivals Manchester City, while Arsenal are just a further point behind. Klopp’s side are then back in Europa League action with the first leg of their last-16 clash against Czech side Sparta Prague.
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